University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 2

Availability restrictions: Not automatically available to General Degree students

Planned timetable: Friday 2-4pm

The module provides an introduction to American fiction through the chronological study of ten texts published between the end of the Civil War and the beginning of the Second World War. The module encourages students to reflect on what is distinctive about 'the American novel', to develop knowledge of the way in which this term had changed, and to encounter some examples of the rich variety of American fiction. The module also encourages students to develop an understanding of the socio-political contexts of these texts: students will be encouraged to evaluate the relationship between historical events such as Reconstruction, the 'Jazz Age', and the Depression and the development of the American novel. (Group E)

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must pass EN2003 and pass EN2004

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 1 seminar and 1 tutorial, and 2 optional consultative hours.

Scheduled learning hours: 20

Guided independent study hours: 280

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Exam = 50%, Coursework = 50%


Re-assessment: exam = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr S M McDermott
Module teaching staff: Dr Kristen Treen
Module coordinator email smm33@st-andrews.ac.uk

Intended learning outcomes

• Discuss critically a range of novels and aesthetic debates of the period 1865-1939.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the representation of American identity in fiction of this period, along with an insight into the history and definition of 'the American novel.'
• Use historicist methods, combining close reading with an understanding of historical and social contexts.
• Demonstrate skills in independent research, writing and critical argument.